West Volusia wins Florida Dixie AA state title

Thursday

Jul 18, 2013 at 5:30 AM

By KATHLEEN RASCHECORRESPONDENT

West Volusia Youth Baseball celebrated more than just fireworks on the Fourth of July. While other people were home barbecuing, the league's AA division All-Stars team finished a six-day tournament and won the Florida Dixie Youth AA State Champions title.

DeAnne Maples, whose husband is a coach and son plays on the AA team, said it's the first time she knows of that a WVYB team has taken the state title.

“These boys out hit, out ran and out-scored the 15 other teams...a feat not previously accomplished by our local league,” said Maples, by email.

The 12-player team will go to the Dixie Youth AA Region II Tournament games in Walterboro, South Carolina on July 26. “During the week-long tournament, they'll take on teams from several other states in games that will be live broadcast through various outlets,” said Maples.

Team manager, Jason Oglageo said the All-Stars were selected by coaches from 12 WVYB teams. The 7- and 8-year-olds practiced together as a team for six weeks before making an impressive appearance at district games, winning; 17-2, 8-4 and 14-8. The week-long state tournament ended on July 4 with West Volusia sporting a 5-1 record and outscoring opponents, 31-16.

Oglageo said the team was chosen based on player ability and sportsmanship. Ability helped, but the sportsmanship really paid off.

“They're like a bunch of brothers. They get along,” said Oglageo.

Coach Mike Maples said parents and coaches have worked to evolve the team from youngsters who competed against each other during the season to a solid team of their own by holding cookouts and taking them to the movies.

“It's an integral part (of the process),” said Mike Maples.

Seminole County was the AA team to beat. Seminole won the state title five times and a two-time regional winner.

“We've played them four times (this season) and we beat them all four times,” said Maples, smiling. “Our goal is to win (the regional title) and I think we have a good chance.”

Ryan Verdi, 8, has that goal, too. The WVYB advantage?

“We play as a team. We're going to win,” said Verdi.

WVYB will be asking for donations in front of Winn-Dixie and Publix in Deltona, hoping to raise $15,000 for expenses. On July 21, they are hosting an adult softball tournament fundraiser at Dewey O. Boster Park in Deltona. Supporters call Oglageo at 407-702-3214 or gofundme.com/wevo-baseball.

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